Celebrate Native American Heritage Month, Nov. 7-19

November 4, 2011LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – The community is invited to participate in events planned for Native American Heritage Month at EOU beginning Nov. 7 and continuing through Nov. 19.

Ed Edmo in character as "Grandma Choke Cherry."

Highlights of this year’s celebration include a performance by Ed Edmo, of Portland. Edmo is a Shoshone-Bannock poet, playwright, performer, traditional storyteller, tour guide and lecturer on Northwest tribal culture.

Edmo will present “Grandma Choke Cherry” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, in the Hoke Union Building main lounge. The performance is free and open to the public.

The dramatic narrative written by Edmo includes traditional stories full of humor and hope from different tribes. “Grandma’s” dialogue also deals with issues relating to drug and alcohol abuse.

A weaving demonstration and teaching session, craft circle and drumming with the Nixyaawii Community School are also part of the heritage month festivities.

“National American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month is an opportunity to highlight the contributions of Native peoples’ government, history, cultures, arts, language and traditions and to celebrate our survival as Indian people,” said Jackie Grant, coordinator of Rural and Native American programs at EOU.

Hear the music of Star Nation at the Speel-Ya Club dance Nov. 19.

Speel-Ya, EOU’s Native American Student Council, will host a dance featuring a performance by Star Nation at 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19. Tickets are $5 with EOU student ID and $7 for general admission.

Star Nation is comprised of Peggy Haney on vocals and piano, and Larry Haney on vocals and acoustic rhythm guitar. Their music is described as having a “unique folk and country rock style with a Native American flair.” They will be joined by Greg Johnson on saxophone and clarinet, Al MacLeod on lead guitar, and Kurt Perry on drums.

For more information contact Grant at 541-962-3141, or Shoshoni Walker, Speel-Ya Club president, at 541-805-1407.